Smart lock system

ABSTRACT

A smart lock system that includes a smart lock that electronically locks and unlocks a door and a server that outputs a command to the smart lock to lock or unlock the door via the internet in response to an instruction received via the internet from a user device. The user device may also (simultaneously) directly transmit an instruction to the smart lock (e.g., via Bluetooth). The user device may also directly transmit an instruction to the smart lock to unlock the door in response to a determination that the user device is within a predefined geofenced region around the smart lock. The smart lock may also include a keypad. The smart lock may also include a camera that captures images and output those images to the server for transmittal to the user device. The smart may also include a motion sensor and capture images in response to detected motion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Application No.201911019923, filed May 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,097,797 and 9,648,290 show a video doorbell having acamera that captures images of an individual ringing the doorbell andtransmits those images to a user device (e.g., a smartphone). Thoseprior art video doorbells may also capture video in response to motiondetected by a motion sensor. However, those prior art video doorbells donot provide functionality for a user remotely viewing a visitor toremotely unlock the door.

Meanwhile, some prior art electronic locks include a keypad andelectronically unlock the door in response to a predefined code enteredon the keypad (e.g., the Rim Lock YDR3110 from Yale, the Handle TypeMortise Lock SHS-H505 from Samsung, etc.) However, those prior artelectronic locks do not provide an easy-to-use interface for the user toset or change the code that enables the door to be unlocked.Furthermore, those prior art electronic locks do not providefunctionality for users to create codes for guests that providetemporary, time limited, or revocable access via the keypad.

In addition, some prior systems (particularly automobiles) providekeyless entry to individuals carrying a device within range of the door.However, those prior art keyless entry systems are generally triggeredby the presence of a specialized (often single-purpose) hardware device,such as a fob or a car key. Therefore, those prior art keyless entrysystems require the distribution of specialized hardware devices. If theprior art keyless entry system is triggered by the presence of an activetransmitter, then those specialized hardware devices requiremaintenance, including new batteries.

Therefore, there is a need for a video doorbell that includesfunctionality for a user remotely viewing a visitor to remotely unlockthe door. Furthermore, there is a need for an electronic lock with akeypad that provides an easy-to-use interface easy-to-use interface forthe user to set or change preset code that enables the door to beunlocked—preferably including functionality for users to create codesfor guests that provide temporary, time limited, or revocable access viathe keypad. Finally, there is a need for an electronic lock thatprovides keyless entry without requiring the distribution of specializedhardware devices.

SUMMARY

A smart lock system is provided that includes a smart lock whichelectronically locks and unlocks a door and a server that outputs acommand to the smart lock to lock or unlock the door via the internet inresponse to an instruction received via the internet from a user device.The user device may also directly transmit an instruction (e.g., viaBluetooth) to the smart lock to lock or unlock the door (e.g.,simultaneously with the instruction to the server via the internet). Thesmart lock system may also provide keyless entry by providingfunctionality for the user device to directly transmit an instruction tothe smart lock to unlock the door without user interaction in responseto a determination that the user device is within a predefined geofencedregion around the smart lock. The smart lock may also include a keypadand the server may provide functionality for the user to preset adigital key to unlock the smart lock via the keypad. The server mayprovide functionality for the user to set the digital key via the userdevice. The smart lock may also include a camera that captures imagesand may output those images to the server for transmittal to the userdevice. The smart may also include a motion sensor and may captureimages in response to detected motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a smart lock system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a smart lock installed on a door according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is another view of the smart lock installed on the dooraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is another view of the smart lock installed on the dooraccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of an outer unit of the smart lock according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is another view of the outer unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is another view of the outer unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is another view of the outer unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of an inner unit of the smart lock according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is another view of the inner unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is another view of the inner unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is another view of the inner unit of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the smart lock according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is another exploded view of the smart lock according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a battery pack according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is another view of the battery pack according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is another view of the battery pack according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is another view of the battery pack according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6E is another view of the battery pack according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the inner unit of the smart lockaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the outer unit of the smart lockaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for pairing the smart lockwith a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for locking or unlockingthe smart lock with a user device in close range of the smart lockaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for establishing an audioand video connection between the smart lock and a user device accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a gear assembly of the smart lock according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is another view of the gear assembly of the smart lock accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of theinvention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is notintended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is tobe understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Severalembodiments of the invention are described for illustrative purposes, itbeing understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms notspecifically shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a smart lock system 100 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The smart lock system 100includes a smart lock apparatus 200 and remote server(s) 180. The smartlock 200 and the remote servers 180 bidirectionally communicate via alocal area network 130 (e.g., an in-home WiFi network) and a wide areanetwork 160 (e.g., the internet). The smart lock 200 alsobidirectionally communicates with user devices 120 (for example, usersmart phones 122, user tablets 124, and smart home devices 126 such aspersonal computers) via the local area network 130 and directly usingshort range, wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy). Theremote servers 180 also bidirectionally communicate with the userdevices 120 via the local area network 130 and the wide area network160. The remote server(s) 180 communicate with a remote database 190either directly (e.g., through a wired connection) or indirectly via aremote computing network.

The remote server(s) 180 may include any hardware computing devicecapable of carrying out the instructions such that the remote server(s)180 perform the functions described herein. For example, the remoteserver(s) 180 may include an application programming interface (API)server 182, a push server 184, a media server 186, and a traversal usingrelays around NAT (TURN) server 188. The API server 182 may be anyhardware computing device that provides an endpoint for the user devices120 to communicate with the remote server(s) 180 via the wide areanetwork 160. The push server 184 may be any hardware computing devicecapable of transmitting information and/or instructions to the userdevices 120 and/or the smart lock 200 via the wide area network 160. Themedia server 186 may be any hardware computing device capable oftransmitting media (e.g., audio and/or video received from the smartlock 200) to the user devices 120 via the wide area network 160. And theTURN server 188 may be any hardware computing device that assists in thetraversal of network address translators (NAT) or firewalls formultimedia applications. The API server 182, the push server 184, themedia server 186, and/or the TURN server 188 may be realized as separatecomputing devices that communicate via a remote computing network orsome or all of those functions may be performed by a single hardwarecomputing device. The remote database 190 may be stored on anynon-transitory computer-readable storage medium capable of storing thedata necessary for the remote server(s) 180 to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 2A-2C are diagrams of the smart lock apparatus 200 installed on adoor 201 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The smart lock 200 includes an inner unit 400 for installation on theinside of the door 201 and an outer unit 300 for installation on theoutside of the door 201.

FIGS. 3A-3D are diagrams of the outer unit 300 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 3A, the outer unit 300 of the smart lock 200 includes an imagingdevice such as a camera 310, an audio device such as a microphone 320, akeypad 340, a key hole 350, a lock/ring button 360, and a speaker 380.The outer unit 300 may also include an ambient light sensor 312, amotion sensor 314 for use with the camera 310 and/or a ring button light362 for illuminating the lock/ring button 360.

The camera 310 may be any optical instrument capable of capturing andrecording images. For example, the camera 310 may be a 1080pcomplementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The ambient lightsensor 312 may be any photodetector capable of sensing the amount ofambient light present in the environment surrounding the outer unit 300.The motion sensor 314 may be any device capable of detecting movingobjects, such as people. For example, the motion sensor 314 may be apassive infrared sensor (PIR). The microphone 320 may be any device(e.g., a transducer) that converts sound into an electrical signal andstores and/or transmits information indicative of that electricalsignal. For example, the microphone 320 may be a microelectromechanicalsystem (MEMS). The keypad 340 may be any input device that providesfunctionality for users to input a code. For example, the keypad 340 maybe a 12-key touchpad with touch-sensitive regions corresponding to eachof the numbers 0-9 that enable a user to input a numeric code. Theykeypad 340 may detect user input at the touch-sensitive regions throughcapacitive sensing, resistive sensing, etc. The key hole 350 may be anyopening that allows a user to insert a (matching) physical key, whichmay be used to manually unlock the smart lock 200. The lock/ring button360 may be any switch mechanism that allows users to initiate a processby pressing the lock/ring button 360. The ring button light 362 may beany device capable of producing visible light (e.g., a light emittingdiode) to illuminate the lock/ring button 360. The speaker 380 may beany device (e.g., an electroacoustic transducer) capable of convertingan electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound.

FIG. 3B is a back or rear view of the outer unit 300 of the smart lock200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theback side of the outer unit 300 includes a mounting bracket 370 withmounting holes 372 for installation on a door 201. The back side of theouter unit 300 also includes an interconnect cable 390 tobidirectionally transmit data to the inner unit 400 and receive powerfrom the inner unit 400. The back side of the outer unit 300 may alsoinclude an information label 376. When properly installed on a door 201,the back side of the outer unit 300 (and the information label 376)abuts the door 201 and is therefore not visible.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the outer unit 300 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3Dis a front view of the outer unit 300 of the smart lock 200 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams of the inner unit 400 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 4A, the inner unit 400 of the smart lock 200 includes manualknob 420 and a battery door 430. The manual knob 420 providesfunctionality for the user to lock and unlock the door 201. The batterydoor 430 secures the battery pack inside the smart lock 200.

FIG. 4B is a back view of the inner unit 400 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The innerunit 400 of the smart lock 200 includes an interconnect port 490 thatmates with the interconnect cable 390 of the outer unit 300 tobidirectionally transmit data to the outer unit 300 and supply power tothe outer unit 300. When properly installed on a door 201, the back sideof the inner unit 400 abuts the door 201 and is therefore not visible.FIG. 4C is a side view of the inner unit 400 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4Dis a front view of the inner unit 400 of the smart lock 200 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B are exploded views of the smart lock 200 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, thesmart lock 200 includes the outer unit 300, a deadbolt latch 510, anoptional mounting plate 520, the inner unit 400, a battery pack 600, andthe battery door 430. The deadbolt latch 510 may be any lockingmechanism that locks a door 201 when extended into the jam of the door201. The mounting plate 520 secures the inner unit 400 to the inside ofthe door 201.

As shown in FIG. 5B, removing the battery door 430 reveals that theinner unit 400 also includes electrical contacts 540, a reset button562, and a setup button 564. The electrical contacts 540 enable theinner unit 400 to receive power from the battery pack 600, which is thenalso supplied to the outer unit 300 via the interconnect port 490 of theouter unit 400 and the interconnect cable 390 of the outer unit 300. Thereset button 562 enables a user to reset the smart lock 200 and thesetup button 564 enables the user to put the smart lock 200 into a setupmode.

FIGS. 6A-6E are views of the battery pack 600 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, the batterypack 600 includes a power port 620 and may include a charging indicator622. The power port 620 may be any hardware interface enabling thebattery pack 600 to be supplied (and resupplied with power). The powerport 620 may be, for example, a micro-USB (universal serial bus) port.The charging indicator 622 may be any output device that outputs anindicating that the battery pack 600 is charging. The charging indicator622, for example, may be an LED light. The battery pack 600 may be arechargeable lithium ion battery with parallel cell configuration and a10 Amp-hour capacity. The battery pack 600 may include overcurrentprotection, over discharge protection, over charge protection, and overtemperature protection. The battery pack 600 may provide a nominalvoltage of 3.6 volts at a maximum weight of 160 grams.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the battery pack 600 also includes electricalcontacts 640. When installed in the inner unit 400 (as shown, forexample, in FIG. 5B), the electrical contacts 640 of the battery pack600 make contact with the electrical contacts 540 of the inner unit 400and transfer power to the inner unit 400. FIG. 6C is a back view of thebattery pack 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 6C, the back of the battery pack 600 mayalso include an information label 662. FIG. 6D is a side view of thebattery pack 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 6E is a front view of the battery pack 600 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the inner unit 400 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The inner unit 400includes processing unit(s) 720, a storage unit 740, a motor driver 760,a lock controller 780, and the battery pack 600. The processing unit(s)720 may be any hardware computer processor capable of carrying out theinstructions such that the smart lock 200 can perform the functionsdescribed herein. The processing unit(s) 720 include an applicationprocessing unit 722, a networking processing unit 724, and acryptography processing unit 726. The processing unit(s) 720 may berealized by a single integrated circuit (IC) chip or multiple hardwaredevices.

The application processing unit 722 may be any hardware computerprocessor capable of carrying out the instructions such that the smartlock 200 can perform the functions described herein. The networkingprocessing unit 724 may be any hardware device capable of transmittingand receiving wireless signals such that the smart lock 200 is able tobidirectionally communicate with the user devices 120 and the remoteservers 180 via the local area network 130. For example, the networkingprocessing unit 724 may be a dual band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networkprocessor). The cryptography processing unit 726 may be any hardwarecomputer processor capable of encrypting information stored in thestorage unit 740 and/or transmitted via to the remote server(s) 180 viathe wide area network 160. The cryptography processing unit 726 mayencrypt information, for example, using the transport layer security(TLS) 1.2 protocol.

The storage unit 740 may be any non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium (e.g., flash memory) capable of storing the data necessary forthe smart lock 200 to perform the functions described herein. Thestorage unit 740, for example, stores smart lock configuration 742,digital keys 744, fail safe firmware 746, network firmware 747, anddevice certificate(s) 748. The device certificate(s) 748 are used in atransport layer security/secure sockets layer (TLS/SSL) handshakeprocess to authenticate both the remote server(s) 180 and the smart lock200. The digital certificate(s) 748 contains the public key of the smartlock 200 and information that specifies the smart lock's ownership ofthe key. The device certificate(s) 748 are used by the remote server(s)180 to authenticate a genuine smart lock 200. The device certificate(s)748 are generated during product assembly and remain unchanged duringthe lifetime of the smart lock 200. The digital keys 744 are the codes,usually selected by the user, that enable the user to open the smartlock 200 using the keypad 340.

The motor driver 760 may be any device capable of driving the motor 1260(shown in FIGS. 12-13 and described below) in response to electricalsignals supplied by the processing unit(s) 720. The lock controller 780may include hardware devices capable of monitoring and the position,speed, and/or acceleration of the manual knob 540 and, by extension, thedeadbolt latch 510. For example, the lock controller 780 may include anaccelerometer 782 (e.g., a 3-axis accelerometer), a deadbolt latchposition sensor 784, and a motion interrupt 786. The battery pack 600supplies power to the hardware components of the inner unit 400 (e.g.,the processing unit(s) 720, the motor driver 760, etc.). In someembodiments, the smart lock 200 may include a wired connection to apower source (rather than the battery pack 600).

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the outer unit 300 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The outer unit 300includes the camera 310, the microphone 320, the speaker 380, the keypad340, the ambient light sensor 312, and the lock/ring button 360. Each ofthose input/output devices are included in the outer unit 300 of thesmart lock 200 (as opposed to the inner unit 400) to providefunctionality to users (and sense the ambient light) outside the door201.

The outer unit 300 also includes an audio/video controller 830, ashort-range communication unit 850, and a buzzer 860. The audio/videocontroller 830 may store data in memory 832 and memory 834. The camera310 may include a night vision LED driver 810. The loud speaker 380 mayinclude an audio amplifier 882. The keypad 340 may include a keypadbacklight 842 and an LED driver 844.

The audio/video controller 830 may include an audio codec 832, a videoencoder 834, and an acoustic echo canceller 836. The audio codec 832 maybe any hardware device or software computer program capable ofconverting analog audio signals (received by the microphone 320) intodigital signals and encoding those digital signals for transmission andstorage. The video encoder 834 may be may be any hardware device orsoftware computer program capable of encoding (e.g., compressing) videosignals received from the camera 310 for transmission and storage. Theacoustic echo canceller 836 may be any hardware device or softwarecomputer program capable of improving the audio quality of the audiosignals received by the microphone 320 by preventing echo from beingcreated and/or removing it after it is already present. The short-rangecommunication unit 850 may include hardware device(s) capable oftransmitting and receiving wireless signals such that the smart lock 200is able to communicate with the user devices 120 directly, wirelessly,and bidirectionally (e.g., using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wirelesspersonal area network technology). The short-range communication unit850 may include, for example, a Bluetooth low energy network controller.The memory 832 and/or the memory 834 may be any non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium capable of storing the data. Forexample, the memory 832 may be low power double data rate (LPDDR) RandomAccess Memory (RAM) and the memory 834 may be serial peripheralinterface (SPI) flash memory. The audio amplifier 882 may be anyhardware device capable of amplifying the audio signals output by theloud speaker 380. The keypad backlight 842 may be any light source(e.g., one or more LEDs) capable of illuminating the keypad 340. The LEDdriver 844 may be any hardware device capable of controlling the keypadbacklight 842. The buzzer 860 may be any audio signaling device (e.g.,mechanical, electromechanical, or piezoelectric) capable of audiblyindicating that a user has pressed the lock/ring button 360. The nightvision LED driver 810 may be any hardware device that enables the camera310 to obtain images in low light conditions, for example by floodingthe area in the path of the camera 310 with light that is outside thevisible spectrum (e.g., infrared light).

The components of the inner unit 400 shown in FIG. 7 and the componentsof the outer unit 300 shown in FIG. 8 communicate, for example, using aninter-integrated circuit (I²C) bus, a serial peripheral interface (SPI),and/or the mobile industry processor interface (MIPI). The components ofthe outer unit 300 communicate with the components of the inner unit 400(and vice versa) via the interconnect cable 390 (shown in FIG. 3) andthe interconnect port 490 (shown in FIG. 4). Other than the input/outputdevices of the outer unit 300 described above, components are shown inthe outer unit 300 and/or the outer unit 400 merely for convenience andmay be located in either the outer unit 300 or the outer unit 400.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A and 4A, the smart lock 200 includes alock/ring button 360 on the outer unit 300 and a manual knob 420 on theinner unit 400. The manual knob 420 provides functionality for the userto manually lock and unlock the deadbolt latch 510 (shown in FIGS.5A-5B) from the inside of the door 201. On the outside of the door 201,the smart lock 200 provides functionality for the user to lock thedeadbolt latch 510 by pressing the lock/ring button 360 for longer thana predetermined time period (commonly referred to as “a long press”).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the smart lock system 100 enables the userdevices 120 to control the smart lock 200 by sending instructions eitherdirectly to the smart lock 200 (using short range, wirelesscommunication and/or via the local area network 130) and/or by sendinginstructions to the remote server(s) 180, which in turn sendinstructions to the smart lock 200 via the wide area network 160. Thesmart lock 200 also provides status information (e.g., the charge levelof the battery pack 600, whether the deadbolt latch 510 is locked orunlocked, etc.) and lock identification data (e.g., where the smart lock200 is located) to the remote server(s) 180, which saves thatinformation in the remote database 190 and provides that information tothe user devices 120. The user devices 120 provide information to theremote server(s) 180, including user account information and the digitalkeys 744 that enable the user to open the smart lock 200 using thekeypad 340. The remote server(s) 180 sends those digital keys 744 (alongwith status and configuration updates) to the smart lock 200, whichstores those updates in the local storage unit 740 (shown in FIG. 7).The remote server(s) 180 sends an update to the smart lock 200 everytime there is an update to the digital keys 744 stored in the remotedatabase 190 to ensure that the user is always able to use the latestdigital keys 744 to unlock the smart lock 200. Meanwhile, informationstored in the local storage unit 740 is backed up to the remote database190. Sensitive information stored in the local storage unit 740 and/ortransmitted via the wide area network 160 is encrypted (for example, bythe cryptography processing unit 726).

The remote server(s) 180 also provide functionality for users to receiveinformation regarding the smart lock 200 and control the smart lock 200using a virtual assistant platform (e.g., Google Home, Alexa, Siri,etc.) installed on a user device 120. (GOOGLE HOME is a registeredtrademark of Google LLC. ALEXA is a registered trademark of AmazonTechnologies, Inc. SIRI is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.)

The smart lock 200 communicates with user devices 120 using short range,wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), enabling the userto lock and unlock the smart lock 200 with a user device 120 in closerange (e.g., within about 5 meters of the smart lock 200). The smartlock 200 may also communicate with the user device 120 via the localarea network 130 (e.g., home WiFi network), enabling users to remotelymonitor, lock and unlock, access security settings, and receivereal-time alerts regarding the smart lock 200 with any user device 120connected to the local area network 130. Because the smart lock 200communicates with the remote server(s) 180 via the local area network130 and the wide area network 160, the remote server(s) 180 enable usersto remotely monitor, lock and unlock, access security settings, andreceive real-time alerts regarding the smart lock 200 with any userdevice 120 connected to the local area network 130 or even the wide areanetwork 160.

To enable the user device 120 to control the smart lock 200 and receiveinformation regarding the smart lock 200, the smart lock system 100 mayprovide a software application (e.g., a smartphone application) for theuser device 120. In some embodiments, the software application may bedownloadable to the user device 120 for installation on the user device120. In other embodiments, the software application may be server-based(e.g., a webpage provided by the server(s) 180) with functionality thatis accessible via the user device 120 (e.g., via a web browser).

The software application enables the user to output instructions to theremote server(s) 180 (e.g., via the API server 182) to control the smartlock 200. The software application also displays alerts received fromthe remote server(s) 180 (e.g., from the push server 184). The softwareapplication also displays video and outputs audio received from theremote server(s) 180 (e.g., from the media server 186). The softwareapplication also provides functionality for the user to outputinstructions directly to the smart lock 200 (e.g., using short range,wireless communication and/or via the local area network 130).

The software application enables users to create an account, for exampleby providing a unique (e.g., email address) and password. Accountinformation is stored by the remote server(s) 180 in the remote database190. The smart lock system 100 enables users to create two types ofaccounts: owner and guest. Owners also register their smart lock 200 asdescribed below and provide a digital key 744 to unlock the smart lock200 using the keypad 340. Owners have unlimited access to receiveinformation from and control their smart lock 200 and can create, edit,and delete other user accounts.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process 900 for pairing a smartlock 200 with a user device 120 and enabling the smart lock 200 tocommunicate via a local area network 130 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. To pair the smart lock 200 with auser device 120, the user must bring the user device 120 within range tocommunicate directly (e.g., using Bluetooth Low Energy). The usercreates a new account in step 902 and logs in to the new account in step904 using the software application as described above. The softwareapplication provides functionality for the user to initiate the devicepairing process in step 906, for example by selecting an “add newdevice” button.

The user places the smart lock 200 in a setup mode in step 908, forexample by pressing the setup button 564 (shown in FIG. 5B). The smartlock 200 then outputs a signal to wirelessly pair with a nearby userdevice 120 (e.g., using Bluetooth Low Energy). If the user device 120 isable to pair with the smart lock 200 (step: 910: Yes), the softwareapplication provides functionality for the user to identify the localarea network 130 in step 912, for example by presenting a list of localarea networks that are within range and providing functionality for theuser to select the user's local area network 130. If the local areanetwork 130 is found (step 914: Yes), the software application providesfunctionality for the user to identify the passcode for the local areanetwork 130 in step 916.

If the smart lock 200 is able to connect to the local area network 130(step 918: Yes), the software application provides functionality for theuser to calibrate the smart lock 200 in step 920. Calibrating the smartlock 200 enables the smart lock 200 to properly lock and unlock wheninstalled in the specific door 201. For example, the user may be askedto move the manual knob 420 (shown in FIG. 4A) into the locked positionand indicate (using the user device 120) that the deadbolt latch 510(shown in FIGS. 5A-5B) is in the locked position. The user device 120outputs an indication to the smart lock 200 that the manual knob 420 isin the locked position using direct wireless communication (e.g.,Bluetooth low energy). The smart lock 200 then determines the positionof the manual knob 420 (determined, for example, by the knob positionmonitor 784 shown in FIG. 7) when the start lock 200 is in the lockedposition and stores that information (for example as part of the smartlock configuration information 742 in the storage unit 740 shown in FIG.7). The user may then be asked to move the manual knob 420 into theunlocked position and indicate (again using the user device 120) thatthe deadbolt latch 510 is in the unlocked position. Again, the userdevice 120 outputs an indication to the smart lock 200 that the manualknob 420 is in the locked position, the smart lock 200 determines theposition of the manual knob 420 (e.g., using the knob position monitor784) when the smart lock 200 is in the unlocked position and stores thatinformation (e.g., as part of the smart lock configuration information742 in the storage unit 740). Once the smart lock 200 is calibrated(step 922: Yes), the smart lock 200 is able to use those positions (andthe distance between those positions) in order to electronically lockand unlock the deadbolt latch 510.

By adding pairing the smart lock 200 with the user's account using theprocess 900, the user becomes an owner of that smart lock 200. Thesoftware application may provide functionality for user to personalizethe smart lock 200, for example by adding a picture and/or a name (e.g.,“front door”, “vacation home”, etc.). The software application may alsoprovide functionality to identify the location of the smart lock 200based on the location of the user device 120 (determined, for example,using the global positioning system (GPS)).

The user can also unlock the smart lock 200 using the keypad 340. Asdescribed above, each user has at least one digital key 744 (forexample, selected by the user using the software application on a userdevice 120). Digital keys 744 are sent by the user device 120 to theremote server(s) 180, stored in the remote database 190, and sent to thesmart lock 200 for storage in the local storage unit 740 (shown in FIG.7). Each time the user attempts to operate the smart lock 200 using thekeypad 340, the smart lock 200 checks the validity of the digital key744 (as well as the permission level of the user) the local storage unit740 and responds accordingly. If the digital key 744 input via theykeypad 340 matches a digital key 744 stored in the local storage unit740, the smart lock 200 unlocks the deadbolt latch 510 (shown in FIGS.5A and 5B). If the digital key 744 input via they keypad 340 is invalid,the smart lock 200 provides audible and/or visual feedback (e.g., ablinking pattern on the keypad 340) to indicate the invalidity of thedigital key 744. The remote server(s) 180 sends an update to the smartlock 200 every time there is an update to the digital keys 744 stored inthe remote database 190 to ensure that the user is always able to usethe latest digital keys 744 to unlock the smart lock 200. Because thedigital keys 744 are stored locally local storage unit 740, the smartlock 200 provides access to the user via the keypad 340 even if theremote server(s) 180 or wide area network 160 is inaccessible. The keyhole 350 provides emergency access using physical key in the event ofelectronics failure (for example, if the battery pack 600 has beendrained).

The software application also provides functionality for owners tocreate temporary digital keys 744 using the user device 120 and sharethose temporary digital keys 744 with others. Owners can configure thesmart lock 200 to grant permanent or temporary access via a temporarydigital key 744 using the software application. Those temporary digitalkeys 744 (and associated permissions) are sent to the remote server(s)180 for storage in the remote database 190 and then to the smart lock200 for storage in the local storage unit 740.

The smart lock 200 may be locked and unlocked by a user in four ways:manually, remotely (with the user device 120), at close range (with theuser device 120), and automatically when the user device 120 is inrange. Because the smart lock 200 may be locked and unlocked remotely bythe server(s) 180, a user device 120 can lock or unlock the smart lock200 from anywhere in the world with access to the wide area network 160.As described above, the software application allows users to view thestatus of any smart lock 200 paired with the user device 120. Thesoftware application then provides functionality for the user to changethe status (i.e., lock or unlock) the smart lock 200. The user device120 sends a command to the server(s) 180, which in turn sends a commandto the smart lock device 200. Thus, for example, if the lock 200 is inthe locked position, the user can use the user device 120 to unlock thedoor, such as if someone rings the bell and the user decides to allowthat person into the home. If the lock 200 is in the unlocked position,the user can use the user device 120 to lock the door.

When the status of the smart lock 200 changes (in response to anylocking or unlocking operation—manual, remote, close range,automatically), the smart lock 200 updates the server(s) 180 and theserver(s) 180 allow the user to view the updated status of the smartlock 200 via the software application. Changes to the status of thesmart lock 200 are logged by the server(s) 180, which can be viewed viathe software application. In a preferred embodiment, the location of theuser device 120 is not captured when remotely locking or unlocking thesmart lock 200.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process 1000 for locking orunlocking a smart lock 200 with a user device 120 in close range of thesmart lock 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The user logs in to the software application in step 1002 andsends a command to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 (usingfunctionality provided by software application) in step 1004. Becausethe software application may be used to control more than one smart lock200, sending the command to lock or unlock a particular smart lock 200may require the user to select the particular smart lock 200 to lock orunlock. Sending the command to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 in step1004 causes three processes to run simultaneously. First, a timer startsin step 1006 and the system waits for the timer to expire in step 1008.If the timer has not expired (Step 1010: No), the system returns to step1008 and continues to wait for the timer to expire. If the timer hasexpired (Step 1010: Yes), the process 1000 ends.

Sending the command to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 in step 1004also causes the user device 120 to scan for the selected smart lock 200using direct wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth low energy) in step1012. If the smart lock 200 is found (Step 1014: Yes), the user device120 establishes a secure channel using direct wireless communication instep 1016 and sends a state change request to the smart lock 200 toeither lock or unlock the smart lock 200 in step 1018.

Sending the command to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 in step 1004also causes the user device 120 to send the command to lock or unlockthe smart lock 200 to the server(s) 180 via (the local area network 130and) the wide area network 160 (as described above) in step 1020. Thecommand to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 is then sent both directly(using short range, wireless communication) and indirectly via theserver(s) 180 and the smart lock 200 responds in response to whichevercommand is received first. The user device 120 then polls the smart lock200 for an update to the status of smart lock 200 and waits for anupdate to the status of the smart lock 200 (either directly from thesmart lock 200 or from the server(s) 180) in step 1022.

If the request to change the status of the smart lock 200 is still inprogress (Step 1024: In Progress), the user device 120 returns to step1022 and continues to wait for an update to the status of the smart lock200 either directly from the smart lock 200 or from the server(s) 180.If the change of status fails (Step 1024: Failure), the user is notifiedof the failure to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 in step 1026 and thetimer is stopped in step 1028. If the change in status is successful(Step 1024: Success), the user is notified of the successful change tothe status of the smart lock 200 in step 1030 and the timer is stoppedin step 1032.

Because the software application causes the user device 120 to outputthe instruction to the server(s) 180 in step 1020, the user can controlthe smart lock 200 from anywhere with access to the wide area network160. Because the software application causes the user device 120 tooutputting the instruction directly to the smart lock in step 1018, theuser can control the smart lock 200 regardless of whether the server(s)180 and/or the wide area network 160 are available at that moment. Bysimultaneously outputting instructions both to the server(s) 180 anddirectly to the smart lock 200, the smart lock system 100 eliminates theneed for the user to decide the best way to communicate with the smartlock 200. Instead, the user simply presses one button on the softwareapplication to lock or unlock the smart lock 200 and the smart lock 200responds to the user instruction regardless of the communication networkused by the smart lock system 100 to deliver that instruction.

The smart lock 200 also provides a user carrying a user device 120 withkeyless entry functionality. If the user has keyless entry functionalityenabled (e.g., via the software application), the software applicationuses the location tracking capabilities (e.g., GPS) of the user device120 to determine if the user device 120 has entered or exited apredefined geofenced region around the smart lock 200. The radius aroundthe smart lock 200 of the predefined geofenced region may be defined upby the user via the software application. When the user device 120 exitsand then enters the predefined geofenced region, the softwareapplication initiates the procedure for the user device 120 to unlockthe smart lock 200 directly using short range, wireless communication(e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy). Then, when the user device 120 is withinrange of the smart lock 200, the software application sends an unlockcommand to the smart lock 200, and the smart lock 200 unlocks thedeadbolt latch 510. In one embodiment, each time the smart lock 200automatically unlocks in response to the presence of a user device 120,the smart lock 200 will automatically relock the deadbolt latch 510after a preset time period, which may be specified by the user via thesoftware application.

By providing keyless entry functionality, users can unlock their smartlock 200 without even having to enter their digital key 744 via thekeypad 340 or using the software application on their user device 120.Additionally, the keyless entry functionality provided by the smart locksystem 100 is triggered by the location of the user's user device 120(e.g., smartphone), which the user is likely to carry with him or hernearly every day. Accordingly, the smart lock system 100 eliminates theneed to distribute single purpose transmitters used by other keylessentry systems and instead uses the multi-function device that most userswill already be carrying.

When a visitor presses the lock/ring button 360 for less than thepredetermined time period (commonly referred to as a “short press”), thesmart lock 200 enables audio and video communication between the visitor(via the smart lock 200) and the user (via the user device 120). Thesmart lock 200 captures video using the camera 310 and outputs thatvideo to the server(s) 180 (e.g., the media server 186), which thenoutputs that video to the user device 120 for display to the user viathe software application. The smart lock 200 also captures audio usingthe microphone 320 and outputs that audio to the server(s) 180 (e.g.,the media server 186), which then outputs that audio to the user device120. The software application also captures audio from the user (using amicrophone of the user device 120) and outputs that audio via theserver(s) 180 (e.g., the media server 186) to the smart lock 200, whichoutputs that audio via the speaker 380.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process 1100 for establishing anaudio and video connection between the smart lock 200 and a user device120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Inresponse to a visitor short pressing the lock/ring button 360 in step1102, the smart lock 200 notifies the server(s) 180 in step 1104. Theserver(s) 180 output an alert to all of the user device(s) 120associated with an owner of the smart lock 200 in step 1106 and awaits aresponse from an owner in step 1108. A timer is also started in step1110 and the system waits for the timer to expire in step 1112. If thetimer has not expired (Step 1114: No), the system returns to step 1112and continues to wait for the timer to expire. If the timer expireswithout a response from an owner (Step 1114: Yes), the process 1100ends.

Each owner can reject a call from the smart lock 200. If any ownerrejects the call (Step 1108: Reject), the call to that particular ownerends in step 1116. If any owner accepts the call (Step 1108: Accept), avoice over internet protocol (VOIP) call is established in step 1118between the server(s) 180 and the user device 120 of the owner thataccepted the call in step 1108. Audio and video are exchanged betweenthe smart lock 200 and the user device 120 in step 1120, which continues(Step 1122: In progress) until the call ends (Step 1122: Ended).

As described above, the smart lock 200 provides 1-way video and 2-wayaudio between the user and a visitor, enabling the user to see who is atthe door 201 and speak to him or her from any user device 120 withaccess to the wide area network 160. Then, the user can decide whetherto remotely unlock the smart lock 200 via the user device 120 asdescribed above.

The smart lock 200 also provides live video on demand to any owner viathe user device 120. The software application provides functionality forthe user to output a command to the smart lock 200 via the server(s) 180requesting a live view. In response to the request, the smart lock 200captures video using the camera 310, which is output to the server(s)180 for transmittal to the user device 120 and display via the softwareapplication. In some embodiments, the live video includes audio capturedby the microphone 320.

The smart lock 200 also provides motion alerts to the user devices 120.When the motion sensor 314 of the smart lock 200 detects motion, thesmart lock 200 records video using the camera 310 and uploads that videoto the server(s) 180 (e.g., the media server 186). In some embodiments,the video may be a short (e.g., 10 second) video clip. In someembodiments, the video may include audio captured by the microphone 320.The server(s) 180 output the video to the user device 120, whichprovides functionality to view those videos via the softwareapplication. As described below, the software application providesfunctionality for the user to view a log of all smart lock activities,including video clips captured in response to motion detection. Thesoftware application may also be configured to output alerts for some orall smart lock activities, including video clips captured in response tomotion detection. Accordingly, in combination with the other featuresdescribed above, the smart lock system 100 allows users to monitor anyactivity outside their 201 from anywhere with access to the wide areanetwork 160.

The smart lock 200 is also configured to provide clear video even in lowlight. For example, the night vision LED driver 810 may flood the areain the path of the camera 310 with light that is outside the visiblespectrum (e.g., infrared light) to enable the camera 310 to obtainimages in low light conditions.

The smart lock system 100 logs all smart lock activities, includinglocks, unlocks, video doorbell alerts, motion alerts, intrusion, accountcreation, account editing, account deletion, access sharing (e.g.,creation of temporary digital keys 744 for guest access), etc. The logis saved by the server(s) 180 and is viewable via the user device 120using the software application.

The software application also provides functionality to output alerts tothe user in response to all or selected activities, including intrusion,video doorbell alerts, motion alerts, locks, unlocks, account creation,account editing, account deletion, access sharing (e.g., creation oftemporary digital keys 744 for guest access), etc. The softwareapplication provides functionality for the user to manage those alerts,including enabling or disabling alerts for all or user-selected smartlock activities. The software application also provides functionality torespond to those alerts, for example by establishing an audio and videoconnection as described above with respect to FIG. 11 and/or remotelyunlocking the smart lock 200.

As mentioned above, the smart lock system 100 enables users to createtwo types of accounts: owner and guest. An owner (i.e., a user who pairswith a smart lock 200 using the process 900 described above withreference to FIG. 9), is provided with complete access to the operationsof the paired smart lock 200, including remote lock and unlock, closerange lock and unlock, keyless entry, creating digital keys 744 tounlock the smart lock 200 via the keypad 340, viewing the status of thesmart lock 200, changing the settings of the smart lock 200, viewing thelog of smart lock activities, viewing live video, creating additionaluser accounts, editing the additional user account settings, deletingthe additional user accounts, etc.

The owner can also create guest accounts and enable those guests to lockand unlock a selected smart lock 200 within parameters established bythe owner. In some embodiments, the smart lock system 100 only enablesguests to only unlock the smart lock 200 using the keypad 340 or byinstructing the guest's user device 120 to communicate directly with thesmart lock 200 using short range, wireless communication (e.g.,Bluetooth Low Energy). Guests are provided with access to their own useraccount settings. In some embodiments, guest accounts are not providedwith other device information (e.g., logs, settings), functionality tocreate additional user accounts, or the ability to unlock the smart lockremotely or using keyless entry. In some embodiments, guests cannotmodify their access to the smart lock 200, except revoke their ownaccess.

The smart lock system 100 enables owners to create three types of guestaccounts: persistent, recurring, and timed. Persistent guests havecontinuous access to lock and unlock the smart lock 200 (e.g., onlyusing the keypad 340 or communicating directly via short range, wirelesscommunication). Recurring guests have access to lock and unlock thesmart lock 200 (e.g., only using the keypad 340 or communicatingdirectly via short range, wireless communication) during a time periodselected by the owner on days and/or times selected by the owner. Forexample, recurring guests can have access only on weekday afternoons.Timed guests have continuous access to lock and unlock the smart lock200 (e.g., only using the keypad 340 or communicating directly via shortrange, wireless communication) from the time that the timed guestaccount is created until and end date set by the owner. In addition, aguest account can be created for number of uses. For instance, a guestaccount can allow the guest to unlock the door no more than a set numberof times defined by the owner.

To overcome security issues of prior art smart locks, the smart locksystem 100 does not rely on the security methods provided by BLEspecifications. Instead, the smart lock 200 is encrypted at applicationlayer, which enables the user device 120 and the smart lock 200 tocommunicate using short range wireless communications (e.g., BLE). Thekeys used for the encryption are exchanged between the smart lock 200and the user device 120 over a TLS1.2 connection with the remoteserver(s) 180. These keys are used to encrypt data between user device120 and smart lock 200 using CHACHA20-POLY1305 Authenticated Encryptionwith Associated Data (AEAD).

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a gear assembly 1200 of the smart lock 200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shownin FIGS. 12 and 13, the gear assembly 1200 may include the manual knob420, a larger spur gear 1210 with detents 1212, a spring plunger 1220and spring plunger holder 1222, the lock controller 780 and anaccelerometer holder 1280, a washer 1230 and e-clip 1240, a motor 1260with a worm gear 1262 and a smaller spur gear 1270. The larger spur gear1210, the washer 1230, the worm gear 1262, and the smaller spur gear1270 may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for higher operation cyclesand low noise. The larger spur gear 1210 and the smaller spur gear 1270may be any size, provided the larger spur gear 1210 is larger than thesmaller spur gear 1270. The motor 1260 may be a brushed direct current(DC) motor. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, lock controller780 includes the accelerometer 782 (e.g., a 3-axis accelerometer), thedeadbolt latch position sensor 784, and the motion interrupt 786. Thelock controller 780 may be a flexible printed circuit board. Theaccelerometer 782 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)accelerometer.

The gear assembly 1200 translates angular movement of the manual knob420 into linear movement of the deadbolt latch 510, enabling the user tomanually lock and unlock the deadbolt latch 510 by turning the manualknob 420. The motor 1260 and the gear assembly 1200 also enable thesmart lock 200 to turn the manual knob 420 (and, by extension, extendthe deadbolt latch 510) electronically.

The detent mechanism 1212 acts as a torque limiter between the knob 420and the gears 1210 and 1270. The detent mechanism 1212 engages the knob420 with the motor 1260 when lock/unlock has to be performedelectronically and disengages the motor 1260 when the knob 420 isperforming a manual lock or unlock operation. Disengaging the motor 1260when the knob 420 is performing a manual lock or unlock operationimproves the life of the motor 1260 and gear assembly 1200 by avoidingstrain on the motor 1260 and the gears when a manual lock or unlockoperation is being performed.

The accelerometer 782 detects movements to the manual knob 420 (and, byextension, the deadbolt latch 510). The knob position monitor 784monitors the position of the manual knob 420 (and, by extension, thedeadbolt latch 510). The movements detected by the accelerometer 782and/or knob position monitor 784 are also used to form a close loop whenelectronically moving the manual knob 420 and locking or unlocking thelocking or unlocking deadbolt latch 510, enabling the smart lock 200 todetect a stall condition (for example, if the motor 1260 is driving themanual knob 420 and the deadbolt latch 510 but the accelerometer 782does not detect any acceleration or the knob position monitor 784 notdetect any change in position). In the event of a stall condition, thesmart lock 200 disengages the motor 1260 to prevent damage to the motor1260 due to overcurrent. Accordingly, the gear assembly 1200 enables thesmart lock 200 to reliably lock and unlock the deadbolt latch 510electronically, detect a stall condition, and avoid damage to the motor1260.

The outer unit 300 may be 7.48 inches (190 millimeters) in length, 2.91inches (74 millimeters) in width, and 0.94 inches (24 millimeters) indepth. The inner unit 200 may be 7.48 inches (190 millimeters) inlength, 2.99 inches (76 millimeters) in width, and 1.41 inches (36millimeters) in depth. The battery pack 600 may be, for example, 2.75inches (70 millimeters) wide, 2.48 inches (63 millimeters) long, and0.85 inches (21.6 millimeters) tall. The lock device material may bezinc die cast acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. Theenclosure of the outer unit 300 may have certified internationalprotection (IP) rating of IP65. The enclosure of the inner unit 200 maybe IP61. The video may have an H264 compression. The video may have abitrate of 2048 kilobits per second (Kbps), 1024 Kbps, 512 Kbps, 128Kbps, etc. The video may have a resolution of FHD1080P, HD720P, videographics array (VGA), etc. The video may have a frame rate of 24 framesper second (fps), 20 fps, 15 fps, 5 fps etc. The night vision may be 950nanometer (nm) active infrared (IR). The audio may be compressed usingpulse code modulation (PCM), linear pulse code modulation (LPCM), mu-lawscaled pulse code modulation (PCMU), etc. The audio may have a samplerate of 44 kilohertz (KHz), 32 KHz, 24 KHz, 16 KHz, 12 KHz, 11 KHz, 8KHz, etc. The audio may have a resolution of 16-bit, 8-bit, etc. Thelocal area network 130 may be 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi, 802.11a (5GHz). The direct, short range, wireless communication may be Bluetooth4.2. (BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.)

The system and method of the present invention include operation by oneor more processing devices, including user devices 120, server(s) 180,and a processing unit 720 of the smart lock device 200. A processingunit of a user device 120 may be any suitable device, such as acomputer, processor, microprocessor, PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. Aprocessing unit at the server(s) 180 may be a computer, server,processor, microprocessor, PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.; and theprocessing unit 720 at the smart lock 200 may be a processor,microprocessor, etc. The processing devices can be used in combinationwith other suitable components, such as a display device (monitor, LEDscreen, digital screen, etc.), memory or storage device, input device(touchscreen, keyboard, pointing device such as a mouse), wirelessmodule (for RF, Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, etc.). The information may bestored on a memory or storage device, which can be located at or incommunication with the processing unit. Processes described above may beconducted automatically by the processing unit(s)—without any manualinteraction by a user—using software. Accordingly, unless indicatedotherwise, any process described above may occur substantially inreal-time without any delays or manual action. Thus, as used herein, anyprocessing unit may include or operate in combination with a medium,which includes one or more non-transitory physical media that togetherstore the contents described as being stored thereon. Embodiments mayinclude non-volatile secondary storage, read-only memory (ROM), and/orrandom-access memory (RAM). And an application includes one or morecomputing modules, programs, processes, workloads, threads and/or a setof computing instructions executed by a computing system. Exampleembodiments of an application include software modules, softwareobjects, software instances and/or other types of executable code.

Within this specification, the various sizes, shapes and dimensions areapproximate and exemplary to illustrate the scope of the invention andare not limiting. The sizes and the terms “substantially” and “about”mean plus or minus 15-20 percent, or in other embodiments plus or minus10 percent, and in other embodiments plus or minus 5 percent, and inother embodiments plus or minus 1-2 percent. In addition, while specificdimensions, sizes and shapes may be provided in certain embodiments ofthe invention, those are simply to illustrate the scope of the inventionand are not limiting. Thus, other dimensions, sizes and/or shapes can beutilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart lock system, comprising: a softwareapplication for a user device; a smart lock configured to electronicallylock and unlock a door; and a server that: communicates with the smartlock via the internet; and outputs a command to the smart lock, inresponse to an instruction received from the software application of theuser device via the internet, that causes the smart lock to lock orunlock the door.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the softwareapplication is further configured to cause the user device to wirelesslyand directly transmit an instruction to the smart lock that causes thesmart lock to electronically lock or unlock the door.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the software application is configured to cause theuser device to simultaneously output both the instruction to the servervia the internet and the direct wireless instruction to the smart lock.4. The system of claim 2, wherein the software application is furtherconfigured to cause the user device to automatically, wirelessly, anddirectly transmit an instruction to the smart lock that causes the smartlock to unlock the door in response to a determination that the userdevice is within a predefined geofenced region around the smart lock. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein: the smart lock comprises a keypad; andthe smart lock is configured to electronically unlock a door in responseto a determination that a user has input a preset digital key via thekeypad.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein: the software applicationprovides functionality for a user to specify the preset digital key; theuser device uploads the preset digital key specified by the user to theserver; the server outputs the preset digital key specified by the userfor transmittal to the smart lock via the internet; and the smart lockcomprises a storage medium for storing the preset digital key specifiedby the user.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein: the software applicationprovides functionality for a user to establish a guest account with apreset guest digital key; and the smart lock is configured toelectronically unlock the door in response to a determination that thepreset guest digital key has been input via the keypad during a timeperiod specified by the user via the software application.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the smart lock comprises a camera configured tocapture images; the smart lock transmits the images captured by thecamera to the server via the internet; and the server transmits theimages captured by the camera to the user device for display to the uservia the software application.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: thesmart lock further comprises a ring button; the smart lock outputs aninstruction to the server to output a notification the user device inresponse to a determination that the ring button has been pressed; theserver provides functionality for the user device to display the imagescaptured by the camera via the software application.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein: the smart lock further comprises a motion sensor; thesmart lock transmits images captured by the camera to the server via theinternet in response to motion detected by the motion sensor; and theserver provides functionality for the user device to display the imagescaptured by the camera via the software application.
 11. A smart lock,comprising: a deadbolt latch configured to lock and unlock a door; amotor and a gear unit configured to extend and retract the deadboltlatch; a networking processing unit configured to communicate with aserver via the internet; an application processing unit configured toelectronically control the motor to extend or retract the deadbolt latchin response to a command received from the server via the internet,wherein the server outputs the command in response to an instructionreceived from a user device via the internet.
 12. The smart lock ofclaim 11, wherein: the networking processing unit is further configuredto communicate with the user device wirelessly and directly; and theapplication processing unit is further configured to electronicallycontrol the motor to extend or retract the deadbolt latch in response toan instruction.
 13. The smart lock of claim 12, wherein the user devicesimultaneously outputs both the instruction to the server via theinternet and the direct wireless instruction to the smart lock.
 14. Thesmart lock of claim 12, wherein the user device to automatically,wirelessly, and directly transmits an instruction to the smart lock thatcauses the application processing unit to electronically control themotor to retract the deadbolt latch in response to a determination thatthe user device is within a predefined geofenced region around the smartlock.
 15. The smart lock of claim 11, further comprising: a keypad; anda storage medium for storing a preset digital key, wherein theapplication processing unit is further configured to electronicallycontrol the motor to retract the deadbolt latch in response to adetermination that a user has input the preset digital key via thekeypad.
 16. The smart lock of claim 15, wherein: the server providesfunctionality for a user to specify the preset digital key; and theserver outputs the preset digital key specified by the user fortransmittal to the smart lock via the internet.
 17. The smart lock ofclaim 15, wherein: the server provides functionality for a user to:establish a guest account with a preset guest digital key; and specify atime period during which the preset guest digital key unlocks the door;and the application processing unit is further configured toelectronically control the motor to retract the deadbolt latch inresponse to a determination that preset guest digital key has been inputvia the keypad during the specified time period.
 18. The smart lock ofclaim 11, further comprising: a camera configured to capture images,wherein the smart lock transmits the images captured by the camera tothe server via the internet.
 19. The smart lock of claim 18, furthercomprising: a ring button, wherein the smart lock outputs an instructionto the server to output a notification the user device in response to adetermination that the ring button has been pressed.
 20. The smart lockof claim 18, further comprising: a motion sensor, wherein the smart locktransmits images captured by the camera to the server via the internetin response to motion detected by the motion sensor.